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Cessna 172 Skyhawk vs Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair vs Diamond Aircraft Da62 vs Piper M350 vs Piper Seneca

The Cessna Skyhawk is a single‑engine piston trainer and personal traveler with typically 3–4 passengers plus the pilot and a range around 600–800 nautical miles depending on model, payload, and reserves. The Cessna Turbo Stationair is a larger, more utility‑oriented single‑engine turbocharged piston aircraft, often configured for 5–6 passengers plus the pilot, with useful load for bags and a similar or somewhat longer practical range, roughly 700–900 nautical miles. The Diamond DA62 is a modern twin‑engine piston aircraft aimed at efficient cross‑country and light business use, commonly seating 5–7, with a range often around 1,000–1,200 nautical miles. The Piper M350 is a high‑performance, pressurized single‑engine piston aircraft positioned for faster, higher‑altitude personal and business travel, typically carrying 5–6 plus the pilot, with range commonly about 1,000–1,300 nautical miles. The Piper Seneca is a conventional light twin piston, usually 5–6 plus the pilot, with range roughly 800–1,000 nautical miles, emphasizing multi‑engine redundancy and training/transport flexibility.

SpecCessna SkyhawkCessna Turbo StationairDiamond Aircraft DA62Piper M350Piper Seneca
Summary
DOC / nm$ 0.95$ 1.08$ 1.18$ 1.34$ 1.69
Total Seats46566
Flight RulesVFRVFRIFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerCessnaCessnaDiamond AircraftPiperPiper
Aircraft Name172 Skyhawk206 Turbo StationairDA62M350Seneca
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)64070312831343828
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.24$ 0.18$ 0.24$ 0.22$ 0.28
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Direct Operating Cost$ 118$ 174$ 225$ 285$ 337
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXi
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)124161190213200
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $415,000 $745,000 $1,290,000 $1,195,000 $1,095,000
Cockpit2222
Standard Cabin Seats4344
Max Cabin Seats5
Useful Load (lbs)156513081331
Cabin
Total Seats46566
Cockpit2222
Standard Cabin Seats4344
Max Cabin Seats5
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.6
Engine
FADECNoNoYesNoNo
ModelIO-360-L2ATIO-540-AJ1AAE330TIO-540-AE2ATSIO-360-RB
Fuel TypeAvGasAvGasDiesel / Jet FuelAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)20002000180020001800
TBO (yrs)121212
Horsepower200350180350220
Fuel DeliveryFuel InjectedFuel InjectedFuel InjectedFuel InjectedFuel Injected
No. of Engines11212
Fuel Capacity (gal)428789120122
Usable Fuel (gal)86
Dimensions
Length (ft)27.228.330.12928.6
Wingspan (ft)36.13647.84339
Cabin Width (ft)3.43.64.1
Cabin Height (ft)44.24
Cabin Length (ft)11.912.112.3
Overall Height (ft)99.49.311.410
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)301120
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)13